Firm News
SGH Martineau strengthens Energy team
Top 70 UK law firm SGH Martineau is further strengthening its Energy team with the appointment of new senior associate Neil Budd.
Neil joins the London office from the corporate team of Watson, Farley & Williams where he has practised as a solicitor since 1999 specialising in international energy, construction and public procurement.
Neil's vast experience covers advising on the development, acquisition and financing of conventional and renewable energy projects across Europe. His experience includes advising on a broad range of projects which, in the renewable energy sphere, cover onshore and offshore wind, biomass, waste-to-energy and solar. Having spent the past 12 years practising exclusively in this area, Neil is regarded as an expert in his field with a long list of successful deals to his name.
In Neil’s view, biomass, waste-to-energy and solar are the areas to watch in the future: “Biomass and waste-to-energy are the ugly sisters of renewable energy – nobody loves them. But they are important in helping not just the UK but also Europe in meeting targets in both renewable energy and waste reduction. Solar in the UK has had a tough time over the last year with the problems over Feed-in Tariffs but with significant reductions in panel prices, large solar projects are looking increasingly attractive.”
Neil also believes that renewable energy developers are broadening their horizons.
“Eastern Europe will become a significant market for renewable energy developers in the next few years and Africa is also starting to look interesting. South Africa introduced renewable energy legislation last year that could herald a large influx of projects into the country. All in all, these are exciting times for the renewables market.”
Neil said of his appointment: "SGH Martineau is an ambitious firm, with a strong national presence. The firm's recent decision to open an office in Brussels was driven by the growing international reputation of its Energy team. It was the reputation of the Energy team that attracted me to the opportunity to use my experience and expertise to help further develop their services. I look forward to enjoying future success with the team."
Andrew Whitehead, senior partner and head of the Energy team commented: "Neil has an excellent track record of delivering strong results on projects in the energy sector. Having spent many years specialising in deals in this sector globally, he will be a valuable addition to our team.
"The fact that we have managed to attract someone of Neil's calibre, after clearly a very successful and loyal innings at his previous firm, really proves the upwards direction in which SGH Martineau is currently moving. The energy sector is evolving at a very fast rate and our Energy team is increasingly called upon for our expertise as it does so. Neil's appointment could be the first of many."
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